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Witnesses described how a convoy of about 15 police vehicles converged on the area, including armed officers.

An office worker has described the ‘scary’ police operation in Salford.

Asim Raheel was at work just off Regent Road when the drama unfolded.

He said: “I heard the sound of sirens and went to the window to see what was happening. There was a massive convoy of police vehicles.

“I would say about 15 were passing at the junction of Regent Road and Denby Road a small side street where my office is.

“The majority of the vehicles were unmarked. There were flashing lights on the back of some of the cars saying ‘stay back ARV’

“I have never seen anything like it. It was scary. One of the vehicles slowed and an officer got a small black case out of the back and carried it to the front of the car, which I assumed was a weapon.

“There were police BMWs and Range Rovers. There was also a helicopter which was hovering extremely low.”

Chief Inspector Mark Dexter from GMP’s Specialist Operations Branch said: “A number of resources including the police helicopter were deployed following a pursuit which resulted in the arrest of four men, one who has been wanted for some time for serious offences.

“Despite the offenders making a very determined effort to escape, only one police vehicle suffered minor damage whilst blocking the Audi in to bring the pursuit to a conclusion.

“I do however recognise that the level of police activity may have been a concern for some people and I want to give reassurance that there was no wider threat to the community. The presence of armed patrols in the area was not in response to any armed threat, rather they were assisting other colleagues as part of their core duties.

Witness, Martin Loftus, posted: “The Audi had loads of traffic cones stuck under it as it flew past me at about 90mph on Duncan St, Salford, with police following.”